Recollections of Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarentum. — Vol. II

The dignity of Marshal of France was to be the apogee of success for any general in Napoleonic France, since the Emperor only created 26 during his years on the throne. Fame, riches and high station in the Imperial Court were the bountiful reward for hard service on the battlefield. Napoleon handed out these dignities, along with kingdoms, principalities, admiralties, dukedoms for more than purposes of recognition; they were also to bind the recipient to his empire even more tightly. Marshal Mac